Detroit City Wire

To bolster the retention of residents and attract new talent to Michigan, the Michigan Growth Office has initiated the second round of the Make MI Home program. The initiative aims to leverage regional solutions to address the state's population dynamics, encouraging both current and prospective residents to settle in Michigan.

The program is designed to give participating organizations the autonomy to develop region-specific programs. "The Make MI Home Program puts organization applicants in the driver’s seat to create region-specific programs that encourage current and future residents to grow roots in Michigan," the announcement states. The plan is to evaluate different strategies for attracting and retaining talent to adjust Michigan’s population trends, fostering a healthy growth cycle.

A total of $500,000 will be allocated to locally driven solutions from various organizations, including nonprofits, local governments, economic development entities, philanthropic foundations, and talent attraction advocates throughout the state. Grants of up to $250,000 will be awarded to each successful applicant. Grant amounts will be determined by factors such as the applicant's regional population in relation to Michigan as a whole, the scope of the intended beneficiary group, the project details, and the quality of the application.

"Selected awardees will have 12 months from grant execution to select program beneficiaries and encumber funds to those beneficiaries. All funds must be disbursed within 48 months of grant execution," it was detailed in the program's announcement. The deadline for submissions is Friday, May 2, at 5 p.m.